Alcohol’s Influence on Wine Aging Potential
You’re right to think that alcohol has something to do with a wine’s aging potential. Wines with higher alcohol levels (+14%) can usually age longer than lower-alcohol wines (under 14%). Alcohol acts as a natural preservative and antioxidant in wine. Examples include Amarone, Port, Madeira, and Shiraz. Some lower-alcohol wines can also age, though, like […]
How to Read a Wine Label: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re new to the scene or just curious about wine, understanding how to read a wine label can unlock a wealth of information about the bottle in your hands. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the various elements you’ll find on a wine label so that you can use this information to buy […]
What’s the Aging Potential of Merlot Wines: Cellaring Secrets
Merlot Aging Guidelines Merlot Category Aging Recommendation Inexpensive Merlots (Under $10 USD) Enjoy within a year of purchase Standard Merlots ($10-$20 USD) Best consumed within the first 3 to 5 years after release Premium Merlots ($20+ USD) May be able to age for 5-7 years Merlot is a red wine grape variety that is known […]
Buying Great Wine Under $50: Discovering Quality for Value
Looking to uncork a special bottle of wine without breaking the bank? Whether it’s for a celebration, gift, or simply indulging in a delightful sip, buying great wine under $50 gives you lots of options. For the best $50 bottles of wine, look for $50 bottles from Chile, Argentina, or South Africa. These regions give […]
How Old Does Wine Have to Be to Be a Vintage?
One of the biggest challenges the wine industry has is its web of complicated terms. Like the term “vintage”, which has nothing to do with a wine’s age. This is unhelpful. A vintage wine isn’t a certain age. A “Vintage Wine” is a wine where the grapes used to make it all came from the […]
Easiest Appetizers for Wine Tasting: 14 Great Picks
If you’re in the habit of hosting last-minute wine tastings, or just not that into cooking, then you’ll want super easy appetizer options. The easiest appetizers for wine tastings are pre-packaged, shelf-stable, or easy to grab and go. Foods like popcorn, chips, cheese, olives, and even sushi are great appetizer options that complement wine tastings. […]
21 Winning Wine Tasting Food Ideas For Your Next Event
Looking for food ideas for your next wine tasting? The best foods for wine tasting have protein, salt, and fat. These elements help keep your palate fresh while you sip. Great foods to eat with wine tasting include olives, charcuterie, cheeses, and even french fries. Helpful Tip: If you’re doing a red wine tasting specifically, […]
What’s a Good Merlot Wine Price?
Merlot Price Ranges Merlot Price Ranges Merlot Category Price Range (USD) Entry-Level $4-$10 Mid-Priced $10-$15 Premium $15-$20 Super-Premium $20-$30 Shopping tip: Look for wine sales to discover higher-quality Merlots that fit within your budget. If you’re shopping for Merlot wine, good for you! Merlot’s a personal favorite and Merlot wine price is, for the most […]
A Good Red Wine for Beginners
Red wines are a little intimidating. They come in such a divergent range of profiles and flavors, that it’s no wonder you can stand in front of an isle of 100 different wines and decide it’s better to walk away empty handed. A good red wine for beginners helps you learn about different grape profiles. […]
How Is Rose Made?
Who doesn’t love an uncomplicated glass of chilled rose wine on a lazy afternoon? There are four ways to make rosé wine: maceration, direct press, saigneé, and blending. Winemakers choose one method over the other based on the pink wine style they want to make, and in some regions, tradition. Here’s what you need to […]